Swan Hotel courtyard bar, Southwold
What's there to do in Southwold, Suffolk
Sandy beach, Victorian pier with quirky amusements, iconic lighthouse
Southwold is a chocolate box pretty traditional seaside town on the coast of Suffolk. Its appearance is as if it was set in aspic in 1953, giving visitors the feeling of stepping back into a gentler, more relaxing time.
A Sunday Times writer struggled to put their finger on Southwold’s indisputable charm before realising – you can’t buy a flip joint burger!
Effectively an island, the town is surrounded by Buss Creek to the north and west and the River Blyth to the south, with the North Sea to the east, which has helped Southwold retain its olde world charm. Mights Bridge is the only way in and out – easy to believe it was once a draw bridge!
Southwold's iconic lighthouse looking over the town and Sole Bay
The town has attractions that can be enjoyed year-round, not least the Victorian Pier with Tom Hunkin's quirky Under The Pier amusements, the Prom that overlooks a pristine sandy beach, a High Street of independent shops and eateries, and a working harbour where you can buy fresh seafood or indulge in fish and chips.
Landmarks include the multi-coloured beach huts by the pier and at Gun Hill, with its historic hilltop cannons, and of course, the 1889 working lighthouse, all 101 feet of it. You can climb the 113 steps on a tour with Adnams to enjoy breath-taking views. Adnams also have tours of their Sole Bay Brewery and Copper House Distillery.
Adnams Distillery Tour
All can be booked at the Adnams Tours Centre, located in The Swan Courtyard, just off the Market Place.
To learn about the town’s history visit the Southwold Museum on Victoria Street and there's plays, films and live performance at Southwold Arts Centre.
Southwold has accommodation for all tastes and budgets, from the high-end Swan Hotel, tasteful pub rooms and self-catering houses to bed and breakfast and the camping and caravan site by the harbour. Try The Bay Hotel or look at one of the town’s lettings agencies, Dog-Friendly Retreats, Sykes Holiday Cottages, Durrants Holiday Cottages, Suffolk Secrets and Snaptrip.
Walberswick-Southwold ferry across the River Blyth
Blackshore Harbour offers two routes to nearby Walberswick across the River Blyth, a footbridge by The Harbour Inn and a rowing boat ferry that’s an experience in itself.
Blackshore is still very much a working harbour, but it’s also a great place to buy fresh fish or find a place to eat. You could also zip along the coast with Coastal Voyager.
Quaint Walberswick has two pubs with good dining, tea rooms, a picturesque village green with shops, sandy beach, a low planked bridge across the Dunwich River which is popular for crabbing, The Anchor pub and hotel, and boardwalks through the reeds that will take you on to Dunwich, Suffolk's Lost City.
Just outside Southwold is Southwold Old Hall with Maize Maze.
Book a stay in Southwold
Dog Friendly
The Swan Hotel
Ideally located in the heart of Southwold, The Swan has been welcoming guests for over 350 years.
Dog Friendly
Sykes Holiday Cottages Suffolk
Discover your next escape to Suffolk with Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Family Friendly
Durrants Holiday Cottages
Southwold’s original holiday cottage company. From cosy escapes to seaside stays and beach hut hire. Expertly cared for, perfectly placed.
Dog Friendly
Suffolk Secrets
Self-Catering Suffolk Holiday Cottages from Suffolk Secrets.
Dog Friendly
The Bay Hotel
Boutique Hotel with en suites rooms in Southwold.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do in Southwold?
Southwold is a lovely unspoilt seaside town with long sandy beach, Victorian pier with quirky amusements, iconic lighthouse, tours of the Adnams Brewery and Distillery, beach huts and working harbour.
- Where is there to stay in Southwold?
The Swan Hotel on the High Street and The Bay a little further away.
Agencies with multiple places to stay in Southwold include Durrants, Sykes, Dog-Friendly Retreats, Suffolk Secrets and Snaptrip Suffolk.
- Can I get a train to Southwold?
Southwold doesn't have a station anymore, but you can get a train to Darsham or Halesworth via Ipswich, and then take a bus or taxi. Or bring your bike!
- Where is Southwold?
Southwold is an idyllic seaside town in Suffolk, 35 miles from Ipswich and 32 miles from Norwich.
- What pubs are there in Southwold?
They're Adnams pubs from the famous town brewery, which offers tours of the Sole Bay brewery, Copper House distillery and lighthouse. In Southwold, try The Crown and Swan Hotel on the High Street, the Red Lion overlooking South Green, The Sole Bay is the bustling brewery tap, nestled close to the lighthouse, and no visit to Southwold is complete without a pint in The Lord Nelson, known affectionately as The Nelly and a classic sailor's pub.
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